Heat treat the flour. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F. Let cool completely before mixing.
If coloring the dough, mix oil-based food coloring into the vegetable oil first. This helps the color blend evenly. Use more coloring than you think. You’ll lose intensity once mixed with flour.
Place cooled flour in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle the oil over the flour, stirring as you go until combined.
Use a pastry cutter, potato masher, or your hands to fully blend the oil into the flour. Mix until the dough feels soft, silky, and holds together when pressed.
Grab a handful and squeeze. If it holds its shape, it’s ready. Too dry? Add a small amout of oil. Too wet? Sprinkle in a little more flour.
Transfer the moon dough to a sensory bin. Add Valentine’s trinkets, cookie cutters, and sensory tools for scooping, molding, and imaginative play.
